Greek Revival

Architecture inspired by ancient Greek aesthetic and design elements.

History of Ancient Greek Architecture: This topic explores the elements of architecture that are characteristic of the ancient Greek civilization, such as the column, the entablature, and the pediment.

Neoclassicism: Neoclassicism is an architectural style that emerged in the late 18th century and was heavily inspired by classical architecture, mainly from ancient Greece and Rome.

The Enlightenment: The Enlightenment was a philosophical movement that took place in Europe in the 18th century, and it had a significant impact on the art and architecture of the time, specifically in the development of the neoclassical style.

Thomas Jefferson: Thomas Jefferson was an American founding father who played an important role in the development of neoclassical architecture in the United States. He was heavily inspired by the architecture of ancient Greece and Rome.

Greek Orders: The Greek orders are the three structural systems of ancient Greek architecture: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. These orders have had a significant influence on the development of architecture throughout history.

Symmetry: Symmetry is a design principle that was extensively used in Greek Revival architecture. This topic discusses the various techniques that were employed to create symmetrical designs on buildings.

Materials: The materials used in Greek Revival architecture were primarily stone, brick, and marble. The topic of materials discusses the use of these materials and their impact on the design and construction of buildings.

Iconography: The use of iconography in Greek Revival architecture was a way of showcasing the cultural and historical significance of ancient Greece. The topic discusses the use of ancient Greek motifs and symbols in the design of buildings.

Post and Beam Construction: Post and beam construction is a method of building that involves using posts and beams to create structural support. This topic explores how this method of construction was used in Greek Revival architecture.

Ornamentation: Ornamentation in Greek Revival architecture was used to enhance the buildings' aesthetics and showcase their grandeur. The topic discusses the various forms of ornamentation commonly used in this architectural style, such as moldings and friezes.

Antebellum Greek Revival: This was an architectural style primarily found in the Southern US during the 1800s. It consisted of grand, symmetrical homes with columns and pediments reminiscent of ancient Greek temples.

Renegade Greek Revival: This style emerged in the mid-19th century and was characterized by a more playful and eclectic interpretation of classical Greek architecture. This style incorporated elements of other historical periods as well, resulting in a more whimsical and unique aesthetic.

Temple Greek Revival: This style was inspired by ancient Greek temples and is characterized by large, symmetrical columns with simple, clean lines. These buildings were often used as public buildings, such as courthouses or banks.

Neo-Grec: This style emerged in the mid-19th century and was influenced by the elaborate decorations found on ancient Greek pottery. It is characterized by intricate designs and ornate detailing, often featuring motifs such as the acanthus leaf.

Regency Greek Revival: This style emerged in the early 19th century and was popularized by the Regency period of England. It is characterized by a more subdued interpretation of classical Greek architecture, featuring simpler lines and more restrained designs.

Federal Style: While not strictly a Greek Revival style, the Federal style that emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries was heavily influenced by classical Greek architecture. It featured symmetrical façades, grand entryways, and pediments and columns reminiscent of ancient Greek temples.

Victorian Greek Revival: This style emerged in the mid-19th century and was characterized by an ornate interpretation of classical Greek architecture. It featured elaborate detailing and a mix of other historical periods, resulting in a fusion of styles.

Italianate Greek Revival: This style emerged in the mid-19th century and combined elements of Greek Revival and Italianate architecture. It featured ornate detailing and grand, symmetrical facades with columns and pediments.

When did the Greek Revival architectural movement begin and flourish?

"which began in the middle of the 18th century but which particularly flourished in the late 18th and early 19th centuries"

Where did the Greek Revival architecture predominantly flourish?

"predominantly in northern Europe and the United States and Canada and in Greece itself following its independence in 1832"

What aspects of ancient Greek architecture did the Greek Revival movement revive?

"many aspects of the forms and styles of ancient Greek architecture, in particular the Greek temple"

What is the relationship between Greek Revival architecture and Neoclassical architecture?

"looked upon as the last phase in the development of Neoclassical architecture, which was drawn from Roman architecture"

Who first used the term "Greek Revival" and when?

"The term was first used by Charles Robert Cockerell in a lecture he gave as an architecture professor at the Royal Academy of Arts in London in 1842"

What were archaeologist-architects of the period studying to learn about the Doric and Ionic orders?

"studied the Doric and Ionic orders"

In which countries did the Greek Revival idiom become an expression of local nationalism and civic virtue?

"considered an expression of local nationalism and civic virtue in each country that adopted it"

In which countries did the Greek Revival architecture gain popularity and why?

"embraced in Great Britain, Germany, and the United States, where the idiom was regarded as being free from ecclesiastical and aristocratic associations and was appealed to each country's emerging embrace of classical liberalism"

Which designer influenced the peak of the Greek Revival taste in furniture and interior design?

"the designs of Thomas Hope influenced a number of decorative styles"

What were some of the decorative styles influenced by Greek Revival architecture in Great Britain?

"known variously as Neoclassical, Empire, Russian Empire, and Regency architecture"

Where did Greek Revival architecture have a different course and until when did it last?

"took a different course in a number of countries, lasting until the 1860s and the American Civil War and later in Scotland"

What are some characteristics of houses inspired by the Greek Revival style?

"symmetrical and balanced proportions, typically featuring a bold, pedimented portico with arched openings"

How is the symmetrical facade of Greek Revival houses divided?

"The symmetrical façade is divided into two equal halves."

What were the reasons for the popularity of Greek Revival architecture in the United States?

"free from ecclesiastical and aristocratic associations" and appealed to the country's emerging embrace of classical liberalism"

In which countries did the Greek Revival architecture not gain much popularity?

"two countries where the style never really took architecturally"

Which architectural styles were influenced by the Greek Revival during the 19th century in Great Britain?

"Neoclassical, Empire, Russian Empire, and Regency architecture"

When did the Greek Revival movement reach its peak in furniture and interior design?

"in the beginning of the 19th century"

When did the Greek Revival movement start to decline in several countries?

"lasting until the 1860s and the American Civil War"

Which countries adopted Greek Revival architecture after Greece gained independence?

"northern Europe and the United States and Canada and in Greece itself following its independence in 1832"

What is the origin of Greek Revival architecture's influence on modern-day architects?

"product of Hellenism"